The Plan of Merger: Invitation to a conversation

June 5, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

The Plan of Union with New Life Presbyterian Church has been out for two weeks now—what you might call a roadmap for getting to our desired destination, a federation of our two churches that will result in one new church.

One caveat: When something is in writing, it’s easy to think that the way things are going to be is all settled. But nothing could be further from the truth. A roadmap still leaves lots of things open to decision—stops we’re going to make along the way, what we’re going to eat, who will take turns driving, and so on.

A roadmap is not an order or a dictation; it’s an invitation. We’re seeking feedback and asking for people’s input, so the Plan of Union becomes a more effective guide toward the completion of the merger.

And because our Executive Board and the NLPC Session received the Plan when you did, two weeks ago, and will vote on it later this month, we need your response NOW. You can read the Plan here. You and I will have other opportunities to respond to and shape the Plan, but this is the best time. So submit your responses now through the Merger FAQ email address: [email protected].

Think of the Plan of Union as a statement of principles and a process of coming together, not specifying outcomes.
This is a door opening to dialogue, and to continuing to create this new church in partnership with God.

So don’t feel like all the decisions have been made. We’re creating a framework for how we make these decisions in the future, in the most inclusive way possible.

So, whether it’s in the form of a question, a desire, or an opinion, please send it to [email protected], or write it down and put it directly into the Merger Questions box on the Welcome Center in the Garden Avenue lobby.